Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the best Lewis dot structure for the neutral compound CH2Cl2?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct Lewis dot structure for the neutral compound CF2O?
A
The central carbon atom is single-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to each fluorine; oxygen has two lone pairs.
B
The central carbon atom is triple-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to each fluorine; oxygen has one lone pair.
C
The central carbon atom is single-bonded to oxygen and double-bonded to each fluorine; oxygen has three lone pairs.
D
The central carbon atom is double-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to each fluorine; all atoms have complete octets.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons in CF2O. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, each fluorine has 7, and oxygen has 6. Add these together to find the total electrons available for bonding and lone pairs.
Step 2: Identify the central atom, which is carbon in this case, because it is less electronegative than oxygen and fluorine and can form multiple bonds.
Step 3: Connect the central carbon atom to the two fluorine atoms and the oxygen atom with single bonds initially. This uses 6 electrons (3 bonds × 2 electrons each).
Step 4: Complete the octets of the fluorine atoms by adding three lone pairs (6 electrons) to each fluorine, since fluorine typically forms only one bond and has three lone pairs.
Step 5: Use the remaining electrons to complete the octet on oxygen. If oxygen does not have a full octet with a single bond, form a double bond between carbon and oxygen. Adjust lone pairs accordingly so that all atoms have complete octets.
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